Short Wave This Satellite Could Help Clean Up The Air
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Jun 21, 2023 Communities across the U.S. are grappling with air pollution, especially in marginalized neighborhoods. A new NASA satellite, TEMPO, is set to track air quality, potentially revolutionizing cleanup efforts. Curtis Bay, a community plagued by coal dust, showcases the health risks residents face and their fight for cleaner air. The podcast discusses how satellite data could inform government actions and address systemic inequalities, offering hope for a healthier future.
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Persistent Pollution
- Air quality has generally improved, but pollution disparities remain.
- Working-class neighborhoods and communities of color still face the worst air quality.
Coal Dust's Impact
- Curtis Bay resident David Jones experiences the effects of coal dust daily.
- He sees black particulates in his spit and must constantly clean his home.
Satellite Solution
- Ground-level air pollution monitoring is labor-intensive and insufficient.
- A new NASA satellite could provide broader coverage and highlight disparities.